Upper Elementary (continued)

The Montessori Curriculum in Upper Elementary

The Montessori approach to Upper Elementary is integrated and thematic. Studies of the physical universe, the world of nature, and the history of mankind are the catalyst for much of the learning that takes place in such areas as math, language, literature, art, music, history, science, economics, and foreign language. Through these studies, students are encouraged to pursue particular interests, while acquiring the necessary skills to think clearly, to apply that thinking to practical use, to communicate skillfully, and to work well with others. In all areas of the curriculum, group discussions become increasingly important, as do creative writing, research, and oral presentations.

Math

Math for Upper Elementary students includes arithmetic, geometry, and algebra. Each student is observed and skill levels are assessed to determine where the student should start in the curriculum. Through the use of Montessori materials, students learn basic operations, math facts, fractions, decimals, word problems, geometry, measurement, pre-algebra, ratio and proportion, percents, graphing tables and charts, rounding and averaging. This curriculum ensures that all students are challenged appropriately, while progressing toward higher mathematical thinking.

Language

The Upper Elementary Montessori language curriculum fosters growth and development of receptive and expressive language. Choices of literature complement the study of history and cultures. Comprehension, reading aloud, and group discussion skills are reinforced, and techniques for literary criticism are introduced. Essay writing is emphasized, as well as styles of writing, research and report writing, and creative writing. Sentence analysis and diagramming using manipulative grammar materials continues through the language curriculum. Progression in spelling capabilities continues with higher sophistication as does cursive writing and word processing.

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Cultural Studies

The Upper Elementary cultural curriculum includes the study of history, science, geography, the arts, and Spanish. The curriculum is designed to help students appreciate the impact of geography and technology upon the history of the human race. Interconnectedness is an underlying theme, as children explore man’s use of the earth’s natural resources and the development of trade. Students continue to build on their knowledge of land, water, and climate, and the effect each of these has on cultures. Children benefit from the experience of Oak Meadow’s multicultural community as they explore regional foods, dress, music, art, religion, and traditions.

The science curriculum is designed to familiarize students with some of the fundamental principles of scientific investigation, to strengthen their powers of observation and critical thinking, and to explore some of the basic concepts within the fields of biology, physical science, astronomy, and earth science. Many of the scientific principles are learned by the students through their own experiments with various liquids, solids, gases, prisms, magnets, electricity, gravity, pulleys, and balances.

Specialists instruct students in art, music, drama, Spanish, and physical

education. Specialist teachers work with classroom teachers to incorporate parts of the academic curriculum into their programs. The arts curriculum is designed to familiarize students with some of the great masters of art, music, and drama, and to encourage the students to recognize the arts as a creative means for expressing observations, feelings, imagination, and personal experiences. Students study the work of artists through slides, videos, and museum visits. They exhibit and discuss their own works throughout the year and participate in the school's art show, which is held in the spring. The physical education program focuses on individual physical development, cooperative play, and enjoyment of athletics while students are instructed in the skills, strategies, and rules of many traditional field and team games. Spanish studies include exploration of the culture, as well as the language.

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Practical Life

Service to the community, as a practical life concept, takes on an increasingly important role in Upper Elementary. As lessons in “grace and courtesy” continue, so does an emphasis on community service. This focus helps students understand and accept their responsibilities as members of a greater community, as well as to help them develop a clear sense of values. Finally, while students do not participate in standardized testing for the sake of scores, they are exposed to test taking skills and strategies.

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Sensorial

Sensorial experiences are integrated into all areas of the curriculum. For instance, Upper Elementary students were introduced to various examples of African music as part of their study of that continent. Sensorial lessons include nature walks, journaling, descriptive writing, cooking, art appreciation, and music appreciation. Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum and allow students to learn through their experiences at Nature’s Classroom, the Boston Symphony, the Cheldmsford Performing Arts Center, and Drumlin Farms to name just a few.

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- Oak Meadow Montessori School - 2 Old Pickard Lane, Littleton, MA 01460 - 978-486-9874 - F: 978-486-3269